High flow rate ductwork for a recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

Recreational vehicles are provided with a tapered duct connector and/or a conditioned air receiving sleeve that is positioned in an infra-ceiling space of the vehicle. The tapered duct connector comprises a connector inlet coupled to a conditioned air passage on a wall of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, and a connector outlet coupled to the supply duct, to fluidly couple the sleeve to the supply duct. The tapered duct connector comprises a transitional duct height that increases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet. The conditioned air passage of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, the tapered duct connector, and the supply duct is contained such that air can pass from the conditioned air opening of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, through the conditioned air receiving sleeve, and into the supply duct without contacting structural components in the infra-ceiling space of the recreational vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/742,665 (KRV 0002 MA), filed Oct. 8, 2018.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to recreational vehicles, and moreparticularly, to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)ductwork and diffusing vent assemblies in recreational vehicles.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the subject matter of the present disclosure, high flowrateductwork and HVAC vent assemblies are provided for recreationalvehicles. Contemplated diffusing vent assemblies may include a diffuserbase and a diffusing head that together create optimal distribution andcirculation of air from an HVAC system within the interior of arecreational vehicle (RV).

The present inventors have recognized that RVs must endure hightemperatures in the summer months and that improved air conditioningsystems are desirable such that the air circulation inside the RVprovided by an HVAC system enables occupants to stay at a comfortabletemperature within the RV.

AC units are typically installed on the roof of an RV with theconditioned air outlet of the AC unit in direct communication with an ACair inlet of the RV ductwork, and the return air inlet of the AC unit indirect communication with a return air vent of the RV ductwork. In theembodiments illustrated herein, conditioned air flows from the AC unit,through the supply duct portion of the RV ductwork, into the interior ofthe RV. Return air flows into a return air portion of the RV ductworkback to the AC unit. The supply duct forms a network of channels fordistributing the conditioned air into the interior of the RV.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an AC box sleeve, a sleeveinsert, and tapered duct connectors for connection with an AC unit of arecreational vehicle. More particularly, these components can bepositioned near the conditioned air outlet of the AC unit of the RV. TheRV may be any conventional, or yet to be developed, RV such as a traveltrailer, fifth wheel, destination trailer, or toy hauler. Althoughtapered elbow and tapered Y-shaped connectors are illustrated herein,the subject matter of the present disclosure also encompasses taperedlinear connectors, which would not include structure to inducedirectional changes in air flow, as is the case with elbow connectorsand Y-shaped connectors. The tapered design of these connectorsoptimizes mass air flow transfer from the AC unit to the supply ducts ofthe RV and increases the efficiency of the AC unit.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, arecreational vehicle is provided comprising a supply duct assembly, thesupply duct assembly comprising a conditioned air receiving sleeve, atapered duct connector, and a supply duct. The conditioned air receivingsleeve is positioned in an infra-ceiling space of the recreationalvehicle and further comprises a conditioned air opening occupying atleast a majority of a top side of the conditioned air receiving sleeve,lateral sleeve walls defining a sleeve height h_(S) that spans theinfra-ceiling space of the recreational vehicle, a conditioned airpassage occupying a lateral sleeve wall of the conditioned air receivingsleeve, and a return air opening occupying at least a majority of abottom side of the conditioned air receiving sleeve. The tapered ductconnector comprises a connector inlet coupled to the conditioned airpassage on the lateral sleeve wall of the conditioned air receivingsleeve and a connector outlet coupled to the supply duct, to fluidlycouple the conditioned air receiving sleeve to the supply duct. Thetapered duct connector comprises a transitional duct height thatincreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet. Theconditioned air receiving sleeve, the tapered duct connector, and thesupply duct contain a conditioned air passage therein such thatconditioned air can pass from the conditioned air opening of theconditioned air receiving sleeve, through the conditioned air receivingsleeve, and into the supply duct without contacting structuralcomponents in the infra-ceiling space of the recreational vehicle.

The supply duct assembly may further comprise a sleeve insert, which inturn may comprise an insert portion that is sized to extend through theconnector inlet and frictionally engage an inside periphery of thetapered duct connector. The sleeve insert may further comprise a flangeportion that is sized to abut a framed portion of the conditioned airpassage on the lateral sleeve wall of the conditioned air receivingsleeve to provide for securement of the sleeve insert to the conditionedair receiving sleeve along the framed portion of the conditioned airpassage with the insert portion extending through the connector inlet ofthe tapered duct connector. The sleeve insert comprises an internal flowdirecting vane and/or an internal turning vane that extends from theflange portion of the sleeve insert and curves beyond the insert portionof the sleeve insert.

The conditioned air receiving sleeve may be presented as a six-sidedrectangular cuboid where the conditioned air opening and the return airopening form opposite sides of the rectangular cuboid. Typically, thesetwo opposing sides are completely open. Two opposing conditioned airpassages may occupy opposing lateral sleeve walls of the conditioned airreceiving sleeve. The recreational vehicle may comprise a longitudinaldimension extending parallel to the sides of the recreational vehicleand the two opposing conditioned air passages may face opposite sides ofthe recreational vehicle.

The tapered duct connector may comprise a transitional duct width thatdecreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet as thetransitional duct height increases from the connector outlet to theconnector inlet. The respective magnitudes of decreasing transitionalduct width and increasing transitional duct height may be such that theconnector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flow area that is at leastapproximately 20% larger than a cross-sectional flow area of theconnector outlet. The connector inlet may comprise a cross-sectionalflow area that is between approximately 20% and approximately 40% largerthan a cross-sectional flow area of the connector outlet, to optimizemass flow transfer from the conditioned air receiving sleeve to thesupply duct without undue turbulence. The transitional duct height ofthe tapered duct connector may increase by a factor of at least about1.25. An average slope representing a net increase in the transitionalduct height of the connector from the connector outlet to the connectorinlet may be between about 0.05 and about 0.10.

The tapered duct connector may be a linear connector, an elbowconnector, or a Y-shaped connector. In contemplated embodiments, thetapered duct connector is a linear connector comprising a singleconnector inlet and a single connector outlet. In other embodiments, thetapered duct connector is an elbow connector comprising a singleconnector inlet and a single connector outlet, with the single connectorinlet and a single connector outlet of the elbow connector directionallyoffset by between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 90 degrees,or at approximately 90 degrees. In still further embodiments, thetapered duct connector is a Y-shaped connector comprising a singleconnector inlet and two connector outlets directionally offset from theinlet by approximately 90 degrees.

The recreational vehicle may further comprise a roof-mounted AC unit anda ceiling-mounted return air assembly. The roof-mounted AC unit and theceiling-mounted return air assembly may enclose opposite sides of theconditioned air receiving sleeve, with the roof-mounted AC unit over theconditioned air opening of the conditioned air receiving sleeve and thereturn air assembly over the return air opening of the conditioned airreceiving sleeve.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, arecreational vehicle is provided comprising a supply duct assembly, thesupply duct assembly comprising a conditioned air receiving sleeve, asleeve insert, a tapered duct connector, and a supply duct. Theconditioned air receiving sleeve is positioned in an infra-ceiling spaceof the recreational vehicle. The conditioned air receiving sleevefurther comprises a conditioned air opening occupying at least amajority of a top side of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, lateralsleeve walls defining a sleeve height h_(S) that spans the infra-ceilingspace of the recreational vehicle, a conditioned air passage occupying alateral sleeve wall of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, and areturn air opening occupying at least a majority of a bottom side of theconditioned air receiving sleeve. The tapered duct connector comprises aconnector inlet coupled to the conditioned air passage on the lateralsleeve wall of the conditioned air receiving sleeve and a connectoroutlet coupled to the supply duct, to fluidly couple the conditioned airreceiving sleeve to the supply duct. The sleeve insert comprises aninsert portion sized to extend through the connector inlet andfrictionally engage an inside periphery of the tapered duct connector.The sleeve insert further comprises a flange portion that is sized toabut a framed portion of the conditioned air passage on the lateralsleeve wall of the conditioned air receiving sleeve to provide forsecurement of the sleeve insert to the conditioned air receiving sleevealong the framed portion of the conditioned air passage with the insertportion extending through the connector inlet of the tapered ductconnector. The tapered duct connector comprises a transitional ductheight that increases by a factor of at least about 1.25 from theconnector outlet to the connector inlet. The tapered duct connectorcomprises a transitional duct width that decreases from the connectoroutlet to the connector inlet as the transitional duct height increasesfrom the connector outlet to the connector inlet. The respectivemagnitudes of decreasing transitional duct width and increasingtransitional duct height are such that the connector inlet comprises across-sectional flow area that is at least approximately 20% larger thana cross-sectional flow area of the connector outlet. The conditioned airreceiving sleeve, the sleeve insert, the tapered duct connector, and thesupply duct contain a conditioned air passage therein such thatconditioned air can pass from the conditioned air opening of theconditioned air receiving sleeve, through the conditioned air receivingsleeve, and into the supply duct without contacting structuralcomponents in the infra-ceiling space of the recreational vehicle.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, arecreational vehicle is provided without the aforementioned conditionedair receiving sleeve. Specifically, a recreational vehicle may beprovided comprising a supply duct assembly, the supply duct assemblycomprising a sleeve insert, a tapered duct connector, and a supply duct.The tapered duct connector comprises a connector inlet and a connectoroutlet coupled to the supply duct. The sleeve insert comprises an insertportion sized to extend through the connector inlet and frictionallyengage an inside periphery of the tapered duct connector. The sleeveinsert further comprises a flange portion that is sized to abut a framedportion of a conditioned air passage to provide for securement of thesleeve insert with the insert portion extending through the connectorinlet of the tapered duct connector. The tapered duct connectorcomprises a transitional duct height that increases by a factor of atleast about 1.25 from the connector outlet to the connector inlet. Thetapered duct connector comprises a transitional duct width thatdecreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet as thetransitional duct height increases from the connector outlet to theconnector inlet. The respective magnitudes of decreasing transitionalduct width and increasing transitional duct height are such that theconnector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flow area that is at leastapproximately 20% larger than a cross-sectional flow area of theconnector outlet.

Although the concepts of the present disclosure are described hereinwith primary reference to ductwork of a particular geometry, it iscontemplated that the concepts will enjoy applicability to any of avariety of ductwork and RV configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction withthe following drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a tapered duct connector in the form of an elbowconnector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a tapered duct connector in the form of a taperedY-shaped connector according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an AC box sleeve according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate alternative sleeve inserts according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a further alternative sleeve insert according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a supply duct assembly according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate alternative supply duct assemblies according tothe present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a duct plug according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a roof-mounted AC unit, in-duct air flow within aportion of a supply duct assembly of an RV, a diffusing vent assembly,and diffuse omni-directional air flow from the diffusing vent assemblyinto the interior of an RV;

FIG. 11 illustrates components of a diffusing vent assembly according toone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the diffusing vent assembly of FIG. 11 in aninstalled state;

FIG. 15 illustrates the diffusing vent assembly of FIG. 11 in anassembled but uninstalled state;

FIGS. 16A-16F illustrate a diffuser base of a diffusing vent assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure, from a variety ofperspectives;

FIGS. 17A-17E illustrate a diffusing head of a diffusing vent assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure, from a variety ofperspectives; and

FIGS. 18A-C, 19A-C, 20A-C, and 21A-C illustrate a variety of separateextended air blade portions of contemplated diffusing assembliesaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a tapered elbow connector 100 for connecting a supply ductof an RV supply duct assembly to a conditioned air receiving sleeve,hereinafter referred to as an “AC box sleeve,” of the RV supply ductassembly. The tapered elbow connector 100 has a connector outlet 110 ofcross-sectional area A, a connector inlet 120 of cross-sectional area B,and a curved connecting portion 115 that may be sloped on the upperand/or lower surfaces of the tapered elbow connector 100. As a result ofthis slope, the cross-sectional area B of the inlet 120 can be made tobe greater than the cross-sectional area A of the outlet 110. As will bedescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6-8 and 10,this tapered duct design takes advantage of increased duct headspace inthe vicinity of the AC unit where the roof cavity of the RV is typicallyat its maximum height, which maximizes duct volume at the inlet 120 andtherefore optimizes the flow of cooled air from the AC unit to theinterior of the RV. In addition, a conditioned air receiving sleeve,which is also described in detail below, may be provided in this area ofincreased headspace in fluid communication with the tapered elbowconnector 100, and may have a sleeve height h_(S) that is at least 1.5times larger than the supply duct height h_(D). The smooth curvature andtaper of the curved connecting portion 115 also enables the air enteringthe inlet 120 to be redirected towards the outlet 110 with minimal flowrate loss, further enhancing airflow into the living space of the RV.

FIG. 2 shows a tapered Y-shaped connector 200 connecting the supply ductassembly to the AC box sleeve. The Y-shaped connector 200 has twooutlets 210 and 220 and an inlet 230. As is the case with the taperedelbow connector of FIG. 1, the inlet 230 is also designed to takeadvantage of increased duct headspace in the vicinity of the AC unitwhere the roof cavity of the RV is typically at it maximum height. Thetapered elbow connector and the tapered Y-shaped connector can bemanufactured using materials commonly used in making AC supply ductssuch as, for example, foil backed foam board or other types of insulatedduct foam.

In addition to the tapered elbow connector 100 and the Y-shapedconnector 200, a duct joiner may be additionally incorporated in asupply duct assembly of an RV. Suitable duct joiners can be configuredto connect two lengths of supply duct, end-to-end, to connect a taperedelbow connector to a length of supply duct, or to connect a taperedY-shaped connector to a length of supply duct. The geometry of the ductjoiner may be similar to that of the duct plug 50 illustrated below,with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, with the exception that the ductjoiner will comprise two duct insert portions 52 on opposite sides ofthe flange 54, and that the flange of the duct joiner would be open topermit the passage of air from one duct component to the next.

FIG. 3 illustrates a conditioned air receiving sleeve 300, or “AC boxsleeve,” that may be incorporated in RV supply duct assemblies accordingto the present disclosure. The conditioned air receiving sleeve 300further comprises a conditioned air opening occupying at least amajority of a top side 310 of the conditioned air receiving sleeve 300,lateral sleeve walls 320 defining a sleeve height h_(S) that is chosento span the infra-ceiling space of a recreational vehicle, conditionedair passages 330 occupying the lateral sleeve walls 320, and a returnair opening occupying at least a majority of a bottom side 340 of theconditioned air receiving sleeve 300. In the illustrated embodiment,conditioned air passages 330 are provided on two of the lateral sleevewalls 320 but it is contemplated that the present disclosure alsocontemplates embodiments where only one conditioned air passage 330 isprovided. The illustrated conditioned air receiving sleeve 300 comprisesa six-sided rectangular cuboid where the conditioned air opening and thereturn air opening form opposite sides of the rectangular cuboid and twoopposing conditioned air passages 330 occupy the opposing lateral sleevewalls 320.

Referring further to FIGS. 6 and 7, an AC box sleeve 300 may be used ina supply duct assembly in conjunction with a sleeve insert 500 and thetapered elbow connector 100 or the tapered Y-shaped connector 200 tooptimize air flow from the conditioned air outlet of an AC unit of anRV, through the supply duct assembly 600, 700 of the RV, and into theinterior of the RV. More specifically, referring to the supply ductassemblies 600, 700 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the present inventorshave recognized that RV duct work installations often contain surfaceirregularities and structural features that might not be optimal forefficient air flow. The AC box sleeve 300 can be used to cover cracks,crevices, and other surface irregularities, and to keep conditioned airout of contact with structural features that might obstruct air flow orintroduce heat into the cool air stream, thus providing thermallyefficient, continuous, and relatively smooth surfaces for the transferof conditioned air. Although a variety of materials will be suitable forconstructing the AC box sleeve, it is contemplated that the AC boxsleeve 300 may be made of insulated duct foam for optimal coolingefficiency and mass air flow transfer.

Although the supply duct assemblies of FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustratedwith one particular type of sleeve insert 500, it is contemplated thatthe concepts of the present disclosure may be practiced using a varietyof sleeve insert configurations to optimize the transfer of conditionedair from the AC box sleeve 500 into the remainder of the supply ductassembly of the RV. For example, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5 illustrate threedifferent sleeve insert configurations. In each case, the illustratedsleeve insert 400, 500 comprises a rigid flange portion 402, 502 and arigid insert portion 404, 504, and provides for consistent, structurallysound, and convenient securement of the tapered elbow connector 100 (seeFIGS. 1 and 6) or the tapered Y-shaped connector 200 (See FIGS. 2 and 7)to the AC box sleeve 300. The sleeve insert 400, 500 further preventscollapse of the opening of the elbow connector 100 and the taperedY-shaped connector 200 within the AC box sleeve 300.

More specifically, rigid flange portion 402, 502 of the sleeve insert400, 500 can be mounted to the interior of the AC box sleeve 300 whilethe rigid insert portion 404, 504 extends through the thickness of theAC box sleeve 300 into the interior of the tapered elbow connector 100or the tapered Y-shaped connector 200, as is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and7. The insert portion 404, 504 of the sleeve insert 400, 500 can besized to fit snugly within and frictionally engage the interiorsurfaces, that is the inside periphery, of the ductwork into which it isinserted. Duct tape may be used to secure the insert portion 404, 504 ofthe sleeve insert 400 within the interior surfaces of the ductwork intowhich it is inserted.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the two opposingconditioned air passages with which the sleeve inserts 400, 500 areengaged will occupy opposing lateral sleeve walls of the conditioned airreceiving sleeve 300. Typically, the recreational vehicle comprising thesupply duct assembly 600, 700 will comprise a longitudinal dimensionextending parallel to the sides of the recreational vehicle, and the twoopposing conditioned air passages of the conditioned air receivingsleeve will face opposite sides of the recreational vehicle.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 3-8, the flange portion 402, 502 of thesleeve insert 400, 500 is sized to abut a framed portion of theconditioned air passage 330 on the lateral sleeve wall 320 of theconditioned air receiving sleeve 300 to provide for securement of thesleeve insert 400, 500 to the conditioned air receiving sleeve 300 alongthe framed portion of the conditioned air passage 330 with the insertportion 404, 504 extending through the connector inlet 120, 230 of thetapered duct connector. Tape or fasteners may be used to secure therigid flange portion 402, 502 to the interior side of the AC box sleeve300. It is contemplated that sleeve inserts 400, 500 according to thepresent disclosure may be conveniently fabricated from polypropylene orsimilar materials, although a variety of alternative materials will alsofall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The sleeve insert 400 illustrated in FIG. 4B differs from the sleeveinsert 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A in that it comprises an internal flowdirecting vane 410. The sleeve insert 500 of FIG. 5, includes anextended turning vane 550, which can be used to promote uniform airflowand reduce pressure drop in tapered elbow connectors, such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6.

FIG. 6 shows a supply duct assembly 600 having the tapered elbowconnector 100 with supply ducts 610 and 620 for supplying conditionedair. The supply duct assembly 600 is accommodated around the rafters 630in the ceiling space of the RV. Both of the inlets 614 and 622 of thesupply duct 610 are fluidly connected to an AC unit via the AC boxsleeve 300.

FIG. 7 depicts a supply duct assembly 700 having a tapered Y-shapedconnector 200 in place of one of the tapered elbow connectors 100illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 depicts a close-up viewof the connection between AC box sleeve 300 and the tapered Y-shapedconnector 200, as described in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates a supply duct assembly 800 fit within the rafters 630of an RV. In this embodiment, the sleeve insert 400 of FIG. 4A is fitwith the AC box sleeve 300 and the tapered Y-shaped connector 200.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are respective isometric views of a duct plug 50 thatmay be used to terminate otherwise open ends of supply duct runs suchas, for example, the ends of supply ducts 610 and 620 of FIG. 6. Theduct plug 50 comprises an insert portion 52 that is designed to fitsnugly within the open end of the supply duct run, and a closed flange54 that provides a sealed hard stop at the end of the supply duct run.The present inventors have found that duct plugs used in this manner canimprove overall airflow from the AC unit into the interior of the RV andare more reliable than systems where the ends of the supply duct runsare pinched closed and terminated with sealing tape. The duct plug 50may, for example, be fabricated from polypropylene.

The AC box sleeve, tapered elbow connectors, tapered Y-shaped ducts,sleeve inserts, alternative sleeve inserts, and duct plugs contemplatedherein can be advantageously adapted to accommodate a variety ofdifferent rafter configurations having varying bottom plate dimensions,clearance heights, and clearance widths for use in different RVs havingdifferent rafter configurations, and a variety of different airconditioning units.

For example, and not by way of limitation, it is contemplated that an ACbox sleeve may have a height of about 4-5 inches and side lengths ofabout 14-15 inches. The openings for receiving the sleeve inserts mayhave a length of about 8 inches and a height of about 2-3 inches.

Similarly, and not by way of limitation, in one embodiment, the taperedelbow connector is constructed to have a connector inlet dimension ofabout 8.0 inches by 2.63 inches, a connector outlet dimension of about8.5 inches by 1.9 inches, an inner radius of curvature of about 1.25inches, and an outer radius of curvature of about 1.38 inches. In thisembodiment, the inlet has a total area of about 21.04 square inches andthe outlet has a total area of about 16.15 square inches. The averageslope, representing a net increase in a transitional duct height of theconnector along a linear projection from the middle of the top edge theconnector outlet to the middle of the top edge the connector inlet isbetween about 0.05 and about 0.10, to prevent undue turbulence in theconnector but also permit a sufficient change in cross sectional flowarea between the inlet and the outlet. In this embodiment, the inlet isabout 30% larger in cross section than the outlet. More broadly, it iscontemplated that other embodiments of the tapered elbow connector willmost advantageously have an inlet that is at least about 20% larger incross section than the outlet or, more specifically, between about 20%and about 40% larger than the outlet.

The tapered Y-shaped connectors of the present disclosure may beconstructed to have dimensions similar to the tapered elbow connector.Regardless of the type of tapered duct connector employed in accordancewith the teachings of the present disclosure, it is contemplated thatthe tapered duct connector may comprise a transitional duct width thatdecreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet as thetransitional duct height increases from the connector outlet to theconnector inlet. In addition, the respective magnitudes of decreasingtransitional duct width and increasing transitional duct height may besuch that the cross-sectional flow area of the connector inlet will beat least approximately 20% larger than a cross-sectional flow area ofthe connector outlet. In some embodiments, the connector inlet maycomprise a cross-sectional flow area that is between approximately 20%and approximately 40% larger than a cross-sectional flow area of theconnector outlet.

To further optimize mass flow transfer from the conditioned airreceiving sleeve to the supply duct without undue turbulence, althoughthe transitional duct height of the tapered duct connector increases bya factor of at least about 1.25, it may be preferable to ensure that theaverage slope in the transitional duct height of the connector from theconnector outlet to the connector inlet is not too large. Even with aslope of between about 0.05 and about 0.10, it will be possible toensure that the cross-sectional flow area at the connector inlet is atleast approximately 20% larger than a cross-sectional flow area of theconnector outlet. In many instances it may be optimal to ensure that theconnector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flow area that is betweenapproximately 20% and approximately 40% larger than a cross-sectionalflow area of the connector outlet.

The sleeve inserts, duct joiners and duct plugs of the presentdisclosure should be constructed to close-fit engagement withcomplementary components of the supply duct assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 10-17, embodiments of the present disclosure furtherrelate to the provision of a diffusing assembly 1000 in cooperation withan AC unit 900, return air assembly 350, and the aforementioned supplyduct assemblies 600, 700 of a recreational vehicle which, in theillustrated embodiment, include an AC box sleeve 300, a tapered elbowconnector 100, and supply ducts 610, 620. The AC box sleeve 300 is shownwith dashed lines in FIG. 10 to help illustrate its relative positioningin the infra-ceiling space of the RV, but it would not actually bevisible in the particular cross-section chosen for FIG. 10. AlthoughFIG. 10 depicts the AC unit 900 installed on the roof of the RV in oneparticular configuration, this example is merely presented forillustrative purposes and it is noted that the concepts of the presentdisclosure are not limited to the specific system configurationillustrated in FIG. 10. The particular configuration specifics of the ACunit 900 and the return air assembly 350 are beyond the scope of thepresent disclosure and may be gleaned from conventional or yet-to-bedeveloped teachings on the subjects.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, in-duct conditioned air 950flows from an AC unit 900, into the AC box sleeve 300, through a taperedelbow connector 100, to the supply ducts 610, 620 of the system. Theconditioned air then passes to the interior of the RV via the diffusingassembly 1000, which improves the airflow from the supply ducts into theinterior of the RV and increases the efficiency of the AC unit 900.Return air passes through a return air grille of the return air assembly350, back to the AC unit 900 for recirculation or exhaust. Notably, theAC box sleeve 300 spans the height of the infra-ceiling space betweenthe AC unit 900 and the return air assembly 350. More specifically, theinfra-ceiling space is the space between the exterior RV roofing layer360 and the interior ceiling board 370 of the RV. An AC box sleeve“spans” this infra-ceiling space by extending the entirety of thedistance between the RV roofing layer 360 and the interior ceiling board370, with the understanding that the sleeve may extend beyond theroofing layer 360, the ceiling board 370, or both, or that supplementalsealing elements, such as gaskets, seals, etc., may be provided tocontribute to this span.

Where a recreational vehicle according to the present disclosurecomprises a roof-mounted AC unit 900 and a ceiling-mounted return airassembly 350, it is contemplated that the roof-mounted AC unit 900 andthe ceiling-mounted return air assembly 350 may enclose opposite sidesof the conditioned air receiving sleeve 300, with the roof-mounted ACunit 900 over the conditioned air opening of the conditioned airreceiving sleeve 300 and the return air assembly 350 over the return airopening of the conditioned air receiving sleeve.

Referring specifically to FIG. 11, the diffusing assembly 1000 comprisesa diffuser base 1010 and a diffusing head 1020. The diffusing head 1020comprises an air blade 1022 that is configured to extend into the pathof the in-duct air flow 950 illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show opposing cross-sectional views of a portion of anRV ceiling including a supply duct 1030 and a ceiling board 1040. Adiffusing assembly 1000 is installed in the RV ceiling, with the airblade 1022 extending into the supply duct 1030. The ceiling board 1040is spaced from the supply duct 1030. This spacing forms a gap in theceiling which is spanned by a portion of the diffusing assembly 1000.The diffuser base 1010 spans the gap between the ceiling board 1040 andthe supply duct 1030, and includes the air blade 1022, which extendsinto the supply duct 1030. The diffusing assembly 1000 can be installedby inserting the diffuser base 1010 through aligned circular openings inthe ceiling board 1040 and supply duct 1030, securing the diffuser base1010 to the ceiling board 1040, sliding the diffusing head 1020 into thediffuser base 1010, and securing the diffusing head 1020 to the diffuserbase 1010 with, e.g., a snap lock. The installation process of thediffusing assembly 1000 is described below in greater detail.

Once the diffusing assembly 1000 has been completely installed, thediffusing head 1020 is capable of 360° rotation within the diffuser base1010. Although the diffusing head is designed to be rotated manually,motorized or other automated rotation is also contemplated in the scopeof the present disclosure. When the diffusing head 1020 is rotated, sois the air blade 1022. Through this rotational control, the air blade1022 can be used to regulate the flow of conditioned air as it travelsfrom the supply duct 1030, through the diffusing assembly 1000, andultimately into the interior of the RV.

FIG. 14 also shows the diffusing assembly 1000 in the installed state.Here, the body of the diffuser base 1010 is shown in relation to boththe supply duct 1030 and the ceiling board 1040 of the RV.

FIG. 15 shows the diffusing assembly without the supply duct or ceilingboard of the RV. Here, a first receiving ring 1014 and a secondreceiving ring 1016 of the diffuser base 1010 may be observed. The firstreceiving ring 1014 and the second receiving ring 1016 form a channel1018 that is configured to receive the thickness of the material of theedge of the supply duct 1030 wall after it is manipulated over the firstreceiving ring 1014 in the manner described below. The channel 1018 maydefine a constant height, as illustrated, or may gradually taper todefine a decreasing height in a decreasing radial direction. With orwithout the taper, the aforementioned engagement of the material of thesupply duct in the channel 1018, help create an airtight, or nearlyairtight, seal between the supply duct 1030 and the diffuser base 1010.FIG. 15 also shows the diffuser base 1010 without the ceiling board1040.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 14-15, to install the diffusing assembly1000 in the RV ceiling, the first receiving ring 1014 and the secondreceiving ring 1016 of the diffuser base 1010 are inserted through acircular opening in the ceiling board 1040. Then, the first receivingring 1014 is inserted through a corresponding circular opening in thesupply duct 1030. In this manner, the first receiving ring 1014 isengaged with an interior surface of the supply duct 1030 and the secondreceiving ring 1016 is engaged with an exterior surface of the supplyduct 1030, leaving the material of the supply duct 1030 wall sandwichedbetween the first and second receiving rings 1014, 1016. Thisconfiguration creates an airtight, or nearly airtight, seal between thereceiving rings 1014, 1016 and the material of the supply duct 1030. Itis contemplated that the material of the supply duct may also engage anoutside diameter of the diffuser base 1010 in the channel 1018 forfurther sealing. In embodiments, the thickness of the material of thesupply duct 1030 is slightly smaller than the height of the channel1018. For example, in one embodiment, the supply duct wall thickness isabout 0.20 inches, while the channel 1018 has a corresponding height of0.22 inches. In other embodiments, the channel 1018 has a height that isequal to the thickness of the material of the supply duct 1030.

The diffuser base 1010 may be secured to the ceiling board 1040 with afastener 1012, such as a screw, nail, tack, or the like. Alternatively,the diffuser base 1010 may be secured to the ceiling board 1040 with anadhesive, such as glue, rubber cement, epoxy, urethanes, or the like.

Typically, the insider diameter of the circular opening in the ceilingboard 1040 is smaller than the outsider diameter of the first receivingring 1014. As such, in embodiments, the diffusing assembly, and any ofits components, may be formed from a pliable and resilient material sothat it can be manipulated through the circular opening in the ceilingboard 1040. Moreover, because the inside diameter of the aforementionedcircular opening in the supply duct 1030 is smaller than the outsidediameter of the first receiving ring 1014, the material of the supplyduct must be manipulated over the first receiving ring 1014 into thechannel 118 between the first and second receiving rings as the diffuserbase 1010 is inserted through the circular opening in the supply duct1030. The cylindrical passage of the diffuser base 1010 is large enoughto allow an installer to reach through the diffuser base 1010, into theinterior of the supply duct 1030 and manipulate the material of thesupply duct 1030 over the first receiving ring 1014 into the channel 118between the first and second receiving rings 1014, 1018. This processmay be enhanced by providing gusseted chamfers 1017 on the firstreceiving ring 1014 and by ensuring that the material of the supply duct1030 is manipulable but resilient enough to return to its original sizeand shape after it has been manipulated to fit over the first receivingring. The material and construction of the diffuser base 1010 may alsobe selected and designed to be similarly manipulable and resilient, tofurther aid the installation process.

As previously stated, once the diffusing base 1010 is secured to theceiling board 1040, the diffusing head 1020 is slid into the diffusingbase 1010. The diffusing head 1020 is then secured to the diffusing base1010 with any suitable locking mechanism. Once the diffusing head 1020is installed and secured to the diffusing base 1010, the diffusingassembly 1000 is operational.

FIGS. 16A-16F show various additional views of the diffuser base 1010.The diffuser base 1010 may include a diffuser flange 1011 that includesfastener openings 1013 that are configured to receive fasteners, e.g.,screws. The diffuser flange 1011 may be substantially circular or anyother suitable shape. Similarly, the diffuser base 1010 may include acollar 1015 that is substantially perpendicular to the diffuser flange1011 and is configured to receive and conduct air from the supply duct.The collar 1015 may also be substantially circular or any other suitableshape.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 16D, the gusseted chamfers 1017 ofthe first receiving ring 1014 minimize the amount of material necessaryto form the diffusing assembly 1000 and may increase the aforementionedpliability and resiliency of the first receiving ring 1017, andtherefore the flexibility of the diffusing base 1010 as a whole.

FIGS. 17A-E depict further views of the diffusing head 1020. Thediffusing head 1020 is substantially circular and includes the air blade1022, which may either be an integral part of the diffusing head 1020 ora separate detachable part of the diffusing head 1020. Moreover, thediffusing head 1020 may include a center disk 1024, an air fin 1026, andone or more support legs 1028. The air fin 1026, which may be formedfrom multiple pieces or a single element, is designed to create auniform and omnidirectional flow of air from the supply duct to theinterior of the RV, via the diffusing head 1020. The collar 1015, airblade 1022, and diffuser vanes 1026, 1028 also cooperate to obstruct theview of any unsightly portions of the duct work or vent assembly fromthe interior of the vehicle. Moreover, due to its ability to rotatefreely within the diffuser base 1010, the diffusing head 1020 allows auser to direct the airflow. In many embodiments, the air blade 1022 ismost effective at distributing air through the diffusing head 1020 whenit is oriented against the direction of the airflow in the supply duct,as is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 17A, the shape ofthe diffusing assembly 1000 and the air blade 1022 are capable ofproducing omnidirectional airflow 1050, which allows the air to runalong the ceiling board 1040. The omnidirectional air then graduallyfalls as it diffuses into the interior of the RV in a uniform fashion.In some embodiments, the omnidirectional air flow 1050 may extend alongthe ceiling board 1040 for about 2 feet before it starts to fall intothe interior of the RV.

The air blade 1022 further gives a user the ability to adjust the amountof air flowing from the AC unit into the interior of the RV by rotatingthe diffusing head 1020 to a desired configuration. The diffusing head1020 further includes locking tabs 1021 (see FIGS. 17B and 17D) that areconfigured to attach the diffusing head 1020 to the diffuser base 1010.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, only an extended portion of the air blade 1022 isvisible in the supply duct 1030. This extended portion is an integralpart of the diffusing head 1020 and, as is noted above, the air bladerotates with the rest of the diffusing head 1020. It is contemplated,however, that the extended portion of the diffusing head 1020 may beprovided as a separate piece, which would be securable to the remainderof the diffusing head 1020 to rotate therewith. For example, referringto FIGS. 18A-C, 19A-C, 20A-C, and 21A-C, a variety of separate extendedair blade portions 1024 are illustrated. These extended air bladeportions 1024 are configured for convenient snap-fit engagement with theremainder of the diffusing head, although a variety of alternative meansof engagement and securement are contemplated.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the presentdisclosure being “configured” in a particular way, to embody aparticular property, or to function in a particular manner, arestructural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. Morespecifically, the references herein to the manner in which a componentis “configured” denotes an existing physical condition of the componentand, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structuralcharacteristics of the component.

It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically,”when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimedinvention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, oreven important to the structure or function of the claimed invention.Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspectsof an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternativeor additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particularembodiment of the present disclosure.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the terms “substantially,” “about” and “approximately” areutilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that maybe attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, orother representation. The terms “substantially,” “about” and“approximately” are also utilized herein to represent the degree bywhich a quantitative representation may vary from a stated referencewithout resulting in a change in the basic function of the subjectmatter at issue.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detailand by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that thevarious details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that thesedetails relate to elements that are essential components of the variousembodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular elementis illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the presentdescription. Further, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure, including, but not limited to, embodiments defined in theappended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the presentdisclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularlyadvantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is notnecessarily limited to these aspects.

It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term“wherein” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining thepresent invention, it is noted that this term is introduced in theclaims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce arecitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should beinterpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preambleterm “comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A recreational vehicle comprising a supply ductassembly, the supply duct assembly comprising a conditioned airreceiving sleeve, a tapered duct connector, and a supply duct, wherein:the conditioned air receiving sleeve is positioned in an infra-ceilingspace of the recreational vehicle; the conditioned air receiving sleevefurther comprises a conditioned air opening occupying at least amajority of a top side of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, lateralsleeve walls defining a sleeve height h_(S) that spans the infra-ceilingspace of the recreational vehicle, a conditioned air passage occupying alateral sleeve wall of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, and areturn air opening occupying at least a majority of a bottom side of theconditioned air receiving sleeve; the tapered duct connector comprises aconnector inlet coupled to the conditioned air passage on the lateralsleeve wall of the conditioned air receiving sleeve and a connectoroutlet coupled to the supply duct, to fluidly couple the conditioned airreceiving sleeve to the supply duct; the tapered duct connectorcomprises a transitional duct height that increases from the connectoroutlet to the connector inlet; and the conditioned air receiving sleeve,the tapered duct connector, and the supply duct contain a conditionedair passage therein such that conditioned air can pass from theconditioned air opening of the conditioned air receiving sleeve, throughthe conditioned air receiving sleeve, and into the supply duct withoutcontacting structural components in the infra-ceiling space of therecreational vehicle.
 2. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 1wherein: the supply duct assembly further comprises a sleeve insert; thesleeve insert comprises an insert portion sized to extend through theconnector inlet and frictionally engage an inside periphery of thetapered duct connector; and the sleeve insert further comprises a flangeportion that is sized to abut a framed portion of the conditioned airpassage on the lateral sleeve wall of the conditioned air receivingsleeve to provide for securement of the sleeve insert to the conditionedair receiving sleeve along the framed portion of the conditioned airpassage with the insert portion extending through the connector inlet ofthe tapered duct connector.
 3. The recreational vehicle as claimed inclaim 2 wherein the sleeve insert comprises an internal flow directingvane.
 4. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein thesleeve insert comprises an internal turning vane that extends from theflange portion of the sleeve insert and curves beyond the insert portionof the sleeve insert.
 5. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 1wherein: the supply duct defines a supply duct height h_(D); and thesleeve height h_(S) is at least 1.5 times larger than the supply ductheight h_(D).
 6. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe conditioned air receiving sleeve comprises a six-sided rectangularcuboid where the conditioned air opening and the return air opening formopposite sides of the rectangular cuboid.
 7. The recreational vehicle asclaimed in claim 1 wherein: two opposing conditioned air passages occupyopposing lateral sleeve walls of the conditioned air receiving sleeve;and the recreational vehicle comprises a longitudinal dimensionextending parallel to the sides of the recreational vehicle and the twoopposing conditioned air passages face opposite sides of therecreational vehicle.
 8. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 1wherein: the tapered duct connector comprises a transitional duct widththat decreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet as thetransitional duct height increases from the connector outlet to theconnector inlet; and the respective magnitudes of decreasingtransitional duct width and increasing transitional duct height are suchthat the connector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flow area that isat least approximately 20% larger than a cross-sectional flow area ofthe connector outlet.
 9. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 8wherein the connector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flow area thatis between approximately 20% and approximately 40% larger than across-sectional flow area of the connector outlet, to optimize mass flowtransfer from the conditioned air receiving sleeve to the supply ductwithout undue turbulence.
 10. The recreational vehicle as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the transitional duct height of the tapered ductconnector increases by a factor of at least about 1.25.
 11. Therecreational vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein an average sloperepresenting a net increase in the transitional duct height of theconnector from the connector outlet to the connector inlet is betweenabout 0.05 and about 0.10.
 12. The recreational vehicle as claimed inclaim 11 wherein the connector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flowarea that is at least approximately 20% larger than a cross-sectionalflow area of the connector outlet.
 13. The recreational vehicle asclaimed in claim 12 wherein the connector inlet comprises across-sectional flow area that is between approximately 20% andapproximately 40% larger than a cross-sectional flow area of theconnector outlet.
 14. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 1wherein the tapered duct connector is a linear connector, an elbowconnector, or a Y-shaped connector.
 15. The recreational vehicle asclaimed in claim 14 wherein the tapered duct connector is a linearconnector comprising a single connector inlet and a single connectoroutlet.
 16. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 14 wherein thetapered duct connector is an elbow connector comprising a singleconnector inlet and a single connector outlet.
 17. The recreationalvehicle as claimed in claim 14 wherein the tapered duct connector is aY-shaped connector comprising a single connector inlet and two connectoroutlets.
 18. The recreational vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein: therecreational vehicle further comprises a roof-mounted AC unit and aceiling-mounted return air assembly; and the roof-mounted AC unit andthe ceiling-mounted return air assembly enclose opposite sides of theconditioned air receiving sleeve, with the roof-mounted AC unit over theconditioned air opening of the conditioned air receiving sleeve and thereturn air assembly over the return air opening of the conditioned airreceiving sleeve.
 19. A recreational vehicle comprising a supply ductassembly, the supply duct assembly comprising a conditioned airreceiving sleeve, a sleeve insert, a tapered duct connector, and asupply duct, wherein: the conditioned air receiving sleeve is positionedin an infra-ceiling space of the recreational vehicle; the conditionedair receiving sleeve further comprises a conditioned air openingoccupying at least a majority of a top side of the conditioned airreceiving sleeve, lateral sleeve walls defining a sleeve height h_(S)that spans the infra-ceiling space of the recreational vehicle, aconditioned air passage occupying a lateral sleeve wall of theconditioned air receiving sleeve, and a return air opening occupying atleast a majority of a bottom side of the conditioned air receivingsleeve; the tapered duct connector comprises a connector inlet coupledto the conditioned air passage on the lateral sleeve wall of theconditioned air receiving sleeve and a connector outlet coupled to thesupply duct, to fluidly couple the conditioned air receiving sleeve tothe supply duct; the sleeve insert comprises an insert portion sized toextend through the connector inlet and frictionally engage an insideperiphery of the tapered duct connector; the sleeve insert furthercomprises a flange portion that is sized to abut a framed portion of theconditioned air passage on the lateral sleeve wall of the conditionedair receiving sleeve to provide for securement of the sleeve insert tothe conditioned air receiving sleeve along the framed portion of theconditioned air passage with the insert portion extending through theconnector inlet of the tapered duct connector; the tapered ductconnector comprises a transitional duct height that increases by afactor of at least about 1.25 from the connector outlet to the connectorinlet; the tapered duct connector comprises a transitional duct widththat decreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet as thetransitional duct height increases from the connector outlet to theconnector inlet; the respective magnitudes of decreasing transitionalduct width and increasing transitional duct height are such that theconnector inlet comprises a cross-sectional flow area that is at leastapproximately 20% larger than a cross-sectional flow area of theconnector outlet; and the conditioned air receiving sleeve, the sleeveinsert, the tapered duct connector, and the supply duct contain aconditioned air passage therein such that conditioned air can pass fromthe conditioned air opening of the conditioned air receiving sleeve,through the conditioned air receiving sleeve, and into the supply ductwithout contacting structural components in the infra-ceiling space ofthe recreational vehicle.
 20. A recreational vehicle comprising a supplyduct assembly, the supply duct assembly comprising a sleeve insert, atapered duct connector, and a supply duct, wherein: the tapered ductconnector comprises a connector inlet and a connector outlet coupled tothe supply duct; the sleeve insert comprises an insert portion sized toextend through the connector inlet and frictionally engage an insideperiphery of the tapered duct connector; the sleeve insert furthercomprises a flange portion that is sized to abut a framed portion of aconditioned air passage to provide for securement of the sleeve insertwith the insert portion extending through the connector inlet of thetapered duct connector; the tapered duct connector comprises atransitional duct height that increases by a factor of at least about1.25 from the connector outlet to the connector inlet; the tapered ductconnector comprises a transitional duct width that decreases from theconnector outlet to the connector inlet as the transitional duct heightincreases from the connector outlet to the connector inlet; and therespective magnitudes of decreasing transitional duct width andincreasing transitional duct height are such that the connector inletcomprises a cross-sectional flow area that is at least approximately 20%larger than a cross-sectional flow area of the connector outlet.